Introduction

This verse examines human behavior and the natural laws that govern it. It intends to create a framework for our actions that avoids common pitfalls in relationships and positively impacts others, as reflected in the title, “Cherishing People.” 

“Weaving the Virtuous Way” frequently describes how “the Wise” person engages the world. As a consequence, the language often compares “the Wise” to “the Ordinary” and sets the Wise up as “directing” the Ordinary. Historically, this has been interpreted to mean that “Weaving the Virtuous Way” is a leadership text, and the later-added titles and commentaries reinforce this class-oriented worldview.

I do not ascribe to that perspective.

As stated in earlier verses, it is far more likely that this is a pragmatic text for personal cultivation through a meditative lifestyle. As such, “the Wise” is our developed, attuned aspect, and “the Ordinary” is our underdeveloped, misaligned aspect. This juxtaposition is about who we are on the inside and how “the Wise” shows up in the world. The consequence of presencing “the Wise” aspect more than “the Ordinary” has the added benefit of supporting others. However, such impacts are a side-effect, not the primary purpose, of the treatise. 

Many verses in Weaving the Virtuous Way can seem somewhat mystical and obscure. At least until we use them as prompts for self-reflection. While reading the verse, feel into the experience it talks about. Be honest with your impulses and so-called negative emotions. Especially the emotions that you’d prefer not to admit you have. When we’re truly authentic, we are full of self-knowledge. When we have self-knowledge, we understand the mechanisms of universal law that govern human behavior. Such understanding is what enables us to Cherish People. 

As we continue moving through the verses, please spend time reading it both as an internal dialogue between the different aspects of yourself and as a reflection of the dynamics that play out interpersonally. Unsurprisingly, the two are reflections of each other, and exploring what works either “in here” or “out there” helps the other. 

Translation

Refrain from making a big deal about talent;
ordinary people won’t compete for recognition.

Make something important difficult to obtain
and people will be tempted to steal it. 

Not seeing an object of desire
 allows a person’s mental and emotional state to be at peace. 

So the Wise support people by helping them:

Release their attachments, 
Nourish their being, 
Soften their opinions, 
Strengthen their confidence.

When people are complete, 
What con artist dares go to work?

Following the natural law, 
every issue can be resolved. 

Commentary

Before we begin the verse, I think it’d be helpful to discuss “desire.” One of the best frameworks I’ve encountered for understanding how desire is both a positive and negative force comes from Buddhism. The Buddha expressed the two-faced nature of desire with distinct words, tanha and chanda. Tanha, traditionally translated as thirst or craving, indicates reflexively grasping after something that cannot bring lasting satisfaction. In this sense, craving is going after the wrong things because we’re confused about what they will give us. Chanda means something more like will to act.